Facebook shutting down rumours quashed

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The trouble with Facebook (and the internet as a whole) is that it gives an almighty engine for a rumour to spread.

Even if that rumour is based on a story from a parody-based website whose previous stories include the tale of Bigfoot stealing a car during a race, earning the name BigLEADfoot, and Australia being attacked by a Godzilla-like creature called the "Kangorus".

The latest false rumour to spread amongst the virtual airwaves is that Facebook would be closing its doors on 15 March (which raises the question: if there was no Facebook to spread false rumours, would there be no more false rumours?).

The Weekly World News posted a "news" story stating the social networking site was coming to an end, with Mark Zuckerberg quoted as saying:

"Facebook has gotten out of control and the stress of managing this company has ruined my life. I need to put an end to all the madness".

"I personally don’t think it’s a big deal. And to be honest, I think it’s for the better. Without Facebook, people will have to go outside and make real friends. That’s always a good thing".

Despite the obvious tongue-in-cheek feel to the story, the "news" quickly spread and Facebook has had to issue an official denial.

"We didn't get the memo about shutting down, so we'll keep working away like always. We aren't going anywhere; we're just getting started", it said via its Facebook page (where else?).

So, just to confirm - Facebook isn't closing down on 15 March. The actual date is 22 April.*